Solomon Airlines closes Rennell service

Solomon Airlines has announced the closure of its Rennell service with a final flight on Saturday 22nd February 2014.

Solomon Airlines’ General Manager Operations and Commercial, Gus Kraus says the airline is shutting down its Rennell operations until a new agent can be identified and appointed.

The Board of Solomon Airlines has instructed the airline management to close down its service to Rennell because of outstanding arrears amounting to a substantial sum of money due to the airline by the agent.

“We have been in talks with the agent to recover the arrears for the past 6 months and closing flights to Rennell over the Christmas was not an option as it would have affected many stranded travellers going home for Christmas but there has been no conclusive outcome with empty promises and we have no other choice but to refer the matter legally and take this action in the immediate term.” The GM Ops and Commercial indicated.
“It is always a difficult decision to suspend far away ports that rely a lot on our services however regretfully, we are left with little choice but have to take such drastic action to ensure Solomon Airline’s operation to Rennell is viable.” He added.

Solomon Airlines provides 3 flights a week to Rennell.
Solomon Airlines is reviewing all of its other port agency agreements across Solomon Islands and the Airline Board has given a clear mandate to ensure future viability of the airline that other operators in a similar situation as Rennell are likely to receive the same fate.

He thanked the people of the Rennell for their understanding and cooperation as Solomon Airlines looks to restructure its Rennell service.